Heinz Promotes Woodward to CEO of North America

Ketchup maker H.J. Heinz (HNZ) appointed Dave Woodward on Tuesday to CEO of North American operations and said it plans to announce a new head of its international segment soon.

Woodward, 47, was promoted from executive vice president of the company’s “rest of the world” segment on May 1. The Pittsburgh-based condiment manufacturer said his new role is effective immediately.

Prior to leading the international group, Woodward had served six years as president of the U.K. and Ireland, Heinz’s second-biggest market, until his duties were expanded in January 2011 to include Africa and the Middle East.

He succeeds Scott O’Hara, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities after holding the CEO post for three years.

Woodward will report to William Johnson, the company’s global chief and chairman.

“I expect Dave to lead Heinz North America to new levels of success by leveraging his proven expertise in marketing and innovation, and his keen understanding of consumer behavior,” Johnson said.

The company did not name a new leader for the company’s rest-of-the-world segment, which includes Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, but said it plans to do so shortly.